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Science News Archive August 2012


Page 3 of 29

Chocolate: A sweet method for stroke prevention in men?

A new study has found that eating moderate amounts of chocolate each week may be associated with a lower risk of stroke in men. The study, which included over 37,000 Swedish men, found that those who consumed the most chocolate had a 17% lower risk of stroke.

Eyeless Australian fish have closest relatives in Madagascar

Two groups of blind cave fishes from Australia and Madagascar are each other's closest relatives, descending from a common ancestor separated by continental drift nearly 100 million years ago. The study identifies new species that add to existing biological evidence for the existence of Gondwana.

Heatwaves to move toward coasts, study finds

A new study by Scripps researchers suggests that California heatwaves are changing due to global warming, with more humid and intense heatwaves emerging in coastal areas. The increasing trend has significant implications for the state's population living near the ocean, who may not be prepared for extreme heat despite being accustomed ...

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

'Nano machine shop' shapes nanowires, ultrathin films

A new method, called laser shock-induced shaping, enables the tuning of nanowires by altering electrical and optoelectrical properties critical for electronic components and instruments. Graphene was also successfully shaped using this technique.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Many trendy 'microgreens' are more nutritious than their mature counterparts

A recent study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that many popular 'microgreens' have more vitamins and healthful nutrients than their fully grown counterparts. The research analyzed 25 varieties of microgreens, revealing wide variations in nutrient levels among the plants tested.

Sweet result from ALMA

Astronomers using ALMA detected glycolaldehyde, a simple form of sugar, in the gas surrounding a young binary star. This discovery suggests that the building blocks of life existed in this system at the time of planet formation.

Living against the clock: Does loss of daily rhythms cause obesity?

Research suggests that loss of daily rhythms can cause obesity, as our bodies struggle to stay in tune with irregular meal, sleep, and work schedules. Disrupted circadian desynchrony affects brain systems regulating metabolism, increasing the risk of developing obesity and diabetes.

Sweet building blocks of life found around young star

Researchers have observed glycolaldehyde molecules, a simple form of sugar, in the gas surrounding a young star. This discovery suggests that the building blocks of life were already present during planet formation. The finding was made using the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) telescope and provides insights into the possibility...

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Soaking up the Sun

Researchers from Drexel University and The University of Pennsylvania are exploring ways to improve the efficiency, durability, and affordability of dye-sensitized solar panels. They aim to streamline electron transfer processes using carbon nanotubes and replace liquid electrolytes with more effective polymers.

Malaria nearly eliminated in Sri Lanka despite decades of conflict

Researchers credit adaptability and flexibility in Sri Lanka's malaria control program with its success in reducing cases by 99.9% since 1999. The program adapted to protect displaced populations and distributed long-lasting insecticide-treated nets, sustaining key prevention and surveillance activities.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

For diabetics, a steady job is good for your health

A steady job is associated with improved medication adherence and reduced risk of non-adherence among working-age diabetics. Lack of employment increases stress, financial strain, and access barriers, leading to lower adherence rates.

Climate change could increase levels of avian influenza in wild birds

Researchers found that climate change could disrupt the interactions between ruddy turnstone shorebirds and horseshoe crabs at Delaware Bay, leading to increased avian influenza infection rates. This could drive up the infection rate in resident ducks, potentially spreading novel subtypes among North American wild bird populations.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Warning on deterioration of famous Swedish warship, Vasa

Scientists warn that the famous Swedish warship Vasa is deteriorating due to significant loss of strength in its wooden hull. The study found that the ship's wooden structure weakened by up to 80 percent, potentially threatening its preservation for future generations.

Gold standards of success defined for AF ablation

New guidelines set minimum acceptable success rates for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation, with 50% success rate expected at 12 months. Long-term outcome data shows only 40-50% of patients remain free of recurrent AF after 5 years.

Aging kidneys may hold key to new high blood pressure therapies

Researchers at the University of Houston are exploring how aging kidneys affect sodium balance and blood pressure, potentially leading to new therapeutic targets for hypertension. Exercise training builds up strong anti-inflammatory environments, improving kidney functions during aging.

Tracing the Paralympic movement's 'freak show' roots

Historical analysis reveals the Paralympic movement's problematic roots in 19th-century freak shows, where disability was objectified and exploited. Researcher Danielle Peers argues that the movement prioritizes able-bodied leaders over athletes' contributions, perpetuating paternalism and erasure.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

New study evaluates noninvasive technology to determine heart disease

A new study published in JAMA found that noninvasive CT scanning technology combined with fractional flow reserve can improve diagnostic accuracy for heart disease. The DeFACTO study involved 252 patients from 17 centers worldwide, showing improved detection of coronary artery disease using this approach.

Climate change stories from the abyss

A team of researchers recovered sediment cores from the Pacific Ocean, revealing fluctuations in the carbonate compensation depth over millions of years. The findings suggest that climate development and carbon cycle interactions were more complex than previously thought.

ASA, CSSA, and SSSA present 2012 scholarships and fellowships

The American Society of Agronomy (ASA), Crop Science Society of America (CSSA), and Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) have presented 2012 scholarships and fellowships to support undergraduate students in agriculture, including the Hank Beachell Future Leader Scholarship and the J. Fielding Reed Scholarship.

Aspirin may help men with prostate cancer live longer, study suggests

A multicenter study found that taking aspirin is associated with a lower risk of death from prostate cancer, especially in high-risk disease. The study analyzed data from almost 6,000 men with prostate cancer treated with surgery or radiotherapy, and the results showed a significant reduction in mortality rates and cancer recurrence.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Twitter data crunching: The new crystal ball

Researchers from Northeastern University used Twitter data to analyze voting patterns in American Idol, predicting the outcome of votes with high accuracy. The study also identified geographical influences on voting patterns, suggesting that a different outcome might have occurred if voting had been open to international fans.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Bacterial cause found for skin condition rosacea

Researchers have identified Demodex mites as the primary carriers of bacteria that trigger rosacea. The bacteria produce molecules provoking an immune reaction in patients, leading to tissue degradation and inflammation.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Adelaide joins with Italy to develop 'super spaghetti'

Researchers in Adelaide and Italy are working on projects to improve the quality of pasta by increasing dietary fiber and starch levels. The goal is to create 'super spaghetti' that offers potential health benefits, such as reducing heart disease risk or colorectal cancer risk.

Breakthrough in nanotechnology

UCF researchers have made a breakthrough in nanotechnology by developing nanoclusters that can diffuse high-energy laser beams. These tiny clusters of gold particles have the potential to protect pilots and sensitive equipment from destructive lasers, providing a new level of safety for these applications.

Internet addiction -- Causes at the molecular level

A study by the University of Bonn found that a genetic variation on the CHRNA4 gene is associated with internet addiction. This variation occurs more frequently in women and may be related to social media use. The researchers hope their findings will lead to better therapies for online addiction.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Soil Science Society of America announces 2012 award recipients

The Soil Science Society of America announced its 2012 award recipients, honoring their research and service in the field. The awards recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to soil science, including Susan Brantley, Daniel Hillel, Pedro Sanchez, and Johannes Lehmann.

Math ability requires crosstalk in the brain

A new study reveals that strong communication between the left and right hemispheres of the brain predicts math performance. The research suggests a possible route to aiding individuals with dyscalculia by enhancing parietal connectivity.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Don't cut lifesaving ICDs during financial crisis, ESC warns

The European Society of Cardiology is tackling the issue of underused implantable cardiac devices, particularly ICDs, due to financial constraints. The initiative aims to raise awareness about their importance and reduce sudden cardiac death rates in countries like Ukraine and Germany.

When to worry about kids' temper tantrums

Researchers developed a new questionnaire to assess preschoolers' behavior, enabling early identification and treatment of emerging mental health problems. The study found that temper tantrums are not frequent among young children, occurring less than 10% of the time.

Oversized fat droplets: Too much of a good thing

A genetic screen of roundworms identified two proteins required for the expansion of lipid droplets, which are associated with obesity and health hazards. The study reveals an anatomical link between these proteins and suggests that they act synergistically to allow cells to store more fat and expand lipid droplet size.

Scripps researchers pinpoint hot spots as earthquake trigger points

Scientists at Scripps Institution of Oceanography discovered how fault zones weaken in select locations after an earthquake tipping point, creating 'melt welts'. These regions can lead to runaway slip and massive earthquakes. The study addresses the 'low heat flow paradox' and may improve earthquake prediction models.

Potential methane reservoirs beneath Antarctica

A new study suggests that beneath Antarctica's ice sheet lies a massive potential methane reservoir, with estimates suggesting up to 400 billion tonnes of carbon. Microorganisms in sub-ice environments have been found to metabolize organic carbon into methane gas, which could be released during future ice-sheet collapse.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Penn State ARL to lead defense manufacturing research project

The iFAB Foundry aims to revolutionize the design and building process for complex defense systems by shortening development time by a factor of five. The project will provide near-instantaneous manufacturability feedback to designers, enabling flexible and programmable distributed production.

Young children share rewards based on merit

Research published in PLOS ONE found that young children consider merit when sharing resources, taking into account the amount of work they contribute and their partner's contribution level. However, a self-serving bias was also observed, with few children giving away more than half of the reward even when their partner had worked more.

Synchronized lasers measure how light changes matter

Researchers successfully probed the effects of light on matter at the atomic scale by mixing x-ray and optical light waves. This technique allows them to directly measure how light manipulates chemical bonds in materials, enabling new insights into light-matter interactions.

Southern elephant seals likely detect prey bioluminescence for foraging

Research in southern Indian Ocean found increased bioluminescence correlates with higher foraging intensity in deep-sea predators, indicating that bioluminescence likely provides seals with valuable indications of prey occurrence. The study monitored diving behavior and light detector data from four female southern elephant seals.

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Dinosaur abdominal contents reveal hunting prowess

The analysis of Sinocalliopteryx gigas' abdominal contents suggests that these dinosaurs were adept stealth hunters capable of tackling prey over a third their size. The study also found evidence of eating bird-like dinosaurs and primitive birds, providing new insights into their hunting behavior.